Intermediate C Programming for the PIC Microcontroller

Delve into the exciting world of embedded programming with PIC microcontrollers in C. The key to learning how to program is to understand how the code works – and that is what you’ll learn here.

Following C Programming for the PIC Microcontroller, this book continues exploring the coding required to control the PIC microcontroller and can be used as a standalone single reference, or paired with the previous title to enhance your programming skills. You’ll see how to control the position of a servo motor and use the compare aspect of the CCP module to create a square wave with varying frequency. You’ll also work with the capture aspect of the CCP to determine the frequency of a signal inputted to the PIC and use external and internal interrupts.

This book breaks down the programs with line-by-line analysis to give you a deep understanding of the code. After reading it you’ll be able to use all three aspects of the Capture, Compare and PWM module; work with different types of interrupts; create useful projects with the 7 segment display; and use the LCD and push button keyboard.

What You’ll Learn

• Create a small musical keyboard with the PIC
• Manage a stepper motor with the PIC
• Use the main features of the MPLABX IDE
• Interface the PIC to the real world
• Design and create useful programs based around the PIC18F4525

Who This Book Is For

Engineering students and hobbyist who want to try their hand at embedded programming the PIC micros.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Creating a Header File

Chapter 2: Controlling a Seven-Segment Display

Chapter 3: The 24-Hour Clock

Chapter 4: Creating a Square Wave

Chapter 5: DC Motors

Chapter 6: Interrupts

Chapter 7: Frequency Measurement and the EEPROM

Appendix 1: Some Useful Definitions

Appendix 2: Mathematical and Logic Operators

Appendix 3: Keywords

Appendix 4: Data Types

Appendix 5: The ASCII Character Set

Appendix 6: Numbering Systems Within Microprocessor-Based Systems

About the Author

Hubert Ward has nearly 25 years of experience as a college lecturer delivering the BTEC, and now Pearson’s, Higher National Certificate and Higher Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering. Hubert has a 2.1 Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering. Hubert has also worked as a consultant in embedded programming. His work has established his expertise in the assembler and C programming languages, within the MPLABX IDE from Microchip, as well as designing electronic circuits, and PCBs, using ECAD software. Hubert was also the UK technical expert in Mechatronics for three years, training the UK team and taking them to enter in the Skills Olympics in Seoul 2001, resulting in one of the best outcomes to date for the UK in Mechatronics.